kids encyclopedia robot

Real Time Streaming Protocol facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Not to be confused with RSTP.


The Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) is like a remote control for online videos and music. It's a special set of rules, called a protocol, that helps your device (like a computer or phone) talk to a server that stores streaming media. Think of it as telling the server to "play," "pause," or "stop" a video, just like a VCR used to do.

RTSP was created in 1998 by a group called the IETF. It helps you watch or listen to things online without downloading the whole file first.

RTSP itself doesn't send the actual video or audio data. Instead, it usually works with another protocol called RTP to send the real sound and video information. Some older systems might use a different method called RDT.

What Uses RTSP?

RTSP is used by many different programs and devices to control streaming media. These are often called "clients" because they ask the server for content.

Programs That Use RTSP

Many popular media players and communication tools use RTSP to help you stream videos and music. Here are some examples:

RTSP Server Software

Servers are like the big computers that store all the videos and music. They use special software to send the streams to your device when you ask for them using RTSP.

Examples of RTSP Servers

Here are some types of software that act as RTSP servers:

  • QuickTime Streaming Server: This server from Apple helps send streams, often used with Mac computers.
  • Darwin Streaming Server: This is an open-source version of Apple's streaming server, meaning its code is available for anyone to use and improve.
  • pvServer: This server, made by Alcatel-Lucent, is also used for streaming.
  • Helix DNA Server: From RealNetworks, this server also comes in both open-source and special versions.
  • Live555: This is a set of open-source tools that many well-known players like VLC and mplayer use to handle streaming.
  • VideoLAN: This is an open-source program that can play media and also act as a streaming server.
  • Windows Media Services: Microsoft includes this streaming server with its Windows Server operating systems.
  • VX30: This server from Maui X-Stream is designed for streaming video, even on smaller devices.

Related Information

  • Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP): This is the protocol that often works with RTSP to carry the actual audio and video data.
  • Fusion RTSP: This is a solution for using RTSP in embedded systems, which are small computer systems built into other devices. Examples include IPTV (TV over the internet), internet TV, and mobile internet devices.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Protocolo de transmisión en tiempo real para niños

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
Real Time Streaming Protocol Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.